Dean Smith is unsure whether Alan Judge will be back in time for Brentford's pre-season campaign after undergoing successful leg surgery.

The Irishman suffered a double leg break in April 2016 after a horror tackle from Ipswich's Luke Hyam.

The injury ruled Judge out for the whole of the 2016/17 season and he needed a second operation in order to fully correct the damage sustained.

“I'm not sure of the timeframe in all honesty so I don't know,” he said.

Alan Judge (Image: Paul Burgman)

“He's had the operation and he's recovered from that. It was a success. What he had to have done has all been done and we're pleased with it.”

Judge, who had been heavily linked with Newcastle in the past year, signed a two year deal at Griffin Park earlier this year, ahead of the need for his second operation.

Judge wrote on Twitter after his operation was confirmed: “Obviously not the news I wanted from my a scan a year on from my injury. Getting back to100% is my aim not playing at 75%. A little bit longer out is better than rushing back. Thanks u for the messages.”